New restaurant planned for Smithdown Road

A new restaurant could be on the way to Smithdown Road under plans submitted to the council.

An applicant is seeking permission to transform a vacant shop at the top of Penny Lane into a food and drink venue called ‘Nicky’s’.

The new eatery is envisioned as having a “warm contemporary feel” with a design which utilises the original shop front and sits “happily within the street scene”.

Diagrams included in the planning application suggest Nicky’s will be a large establishment, with two dining areas occupying 376 and 377 Smithdown Road.

A statement issued to the council’s planning department reads: “The design of the premises is to convey a warm contemporary feel within the confines of the Penny Lane Smithdown Road area. We wish to use sustainable materials in the scheme, whilst utilising the existing shop front.

“The proposed building will be completely disabled friendly as directed by current DDA guidelines. All doors will be a minimum of 900mm in width and all thresholds will be level access to accommodate wheelchairs.”